After a day of museums and canal walks, nothing beats a swim, a sauna and a quiet hour to yourself. Or start the day the same way, with an early-morning dip before the city wakes up.
Pools are rare in Amsterdam, so we've gathered the finest in one place. Most are in grand hotels along the canals and the Amstel, where you swim in elegant, historic surroundings. Others are sleek, modern spaces in design-led hotels, from the old centre to the Eastern Docklands. Almost all have a spa alongside.
So pack your swimsuit, whatever the weather. In Amsterdam, a swim is always on the cards.
Swim above the IJ river, eat Indonesian flavours under a subtropical garden and drink cocktails with a panoramic view.
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Rooftop bar
Sustainable
On-site parking
Room sizes from 30 m²Read the full story
Java Island, Eastern Docklands
At the tip of Java Island, Hotel Jakarta sits surrounded by water, bold modern architecture, and the waterfront walks of the Eastern Docklands, once the city's busy harbour. It feels like a world apart, yet Centraal Station is just two tram stops away, and the nearest stop is a five-minute walk away. Dam Square is about 20 minutes by public transport, and the Museum Quarter about 25.
A Tribute to Amsterdam's Link with Indonesia
Ships once sailed from this spot to Jakarta, and the hotel celebrates that history. Bamboo interiors and Indonesian-inspired design run throughout. The showpiece is a soaring atrium filled with a subtropical garden.
Spacious Rooms with Water Views
Rooms start at a generous 30 square metres, with warm wood and bamboo interiors. Most have a balcony and views over the IJ river. Some rooms sleep three, and the suites at the building's glass end offer 180-degree views.
Indonesian Flavours & Cocktails with a View
Café Jakarta blends Indonesian and Western flavours, and Westers Bakery serves pastries and coffee. At the top of the building, Malabar skybar pairs Asian-inspired bites and cocktails with panoramic views over Amsterdam and the IJ river.
WellCome Wellness & Pool
Swimming lengths while boats pass outside is something most city hotels can't offer. Alongside the pool are a sauna, a fitness centre, and treatment rooms for massages and beauty treatments.
Amsterdam's former Palace of Justice, reborn in 2025, with more than 1,000 artworks, a Piet Oudolf garden and an exceptional spa.
Ultra luxury
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
Room sizes from 31 m²Read the full story
Prinsengracht, between the Nine Streets & Leidseplein
Housed in the former Palace of Justice on the Prinsengracht, Rosewood is one of the last hotels permitted to open in the UNESCO-listed canal district, and it makes the most of its prime address. The Nine Streets, with their boutiques and cafés, are a short walk north; Leidseplein's theatres and live music are close by to the south, and Museumplein is an easy 15-minute stroll.
A Courthouse Reimagined
Studio Piet Boon designed the interiors, pairing the grand architecture with warm, custom-made furniture. More than 1,000 artworks run through the hotel, including pieces by Maarten Baas and Frank Stella. Behind the building lies De Tuin, a garden by the celebrated Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf.
Spacious Rooms & Signature Houses
Rooms start at a generous 31 square metres, with views over the canals, courtyards, or rooftops. Natural stone, fine furniture and a calm palette of greys and blues set the tone. The five signature Houses sit beneath the building's traditional sloping beams, each with its own butler.
Dutch Flavours, Beautifully Presented
Eeuwen celebrates seasonal Dutch produce at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The bright, airy Court is the hotel's heart, serving all-day dishes and afternoon tea. Advocatuur, named for the building's legal past, pours cocktails made with house-distilled jenever alongside Indian dishes from the tandoor.
Asaya Spa & Indoor Pool
Asaya is one of the city's most complete spas. Designed by Studio Piet Boon around the elements of wood, water, wind, and fire, it features a 12-metre indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. Treatments draw on Ayurveda and modern therapies, with skincare by Dr Barbara Sturm and a couples' suite. A gym and a Pilates studio complete the facilities.
Once a convent, an admiralty, and the city hall, it is now a hotel with a courtyard garden, pool, and hammam.
Luxury
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
On-site parking
Room sizes from 30 m²Read the full story
Between Two Canals in the Old Centre
Few hotels put you this close to Amsterdam's beginnings. The Grand stands between two canals in the city's oldest quarter, where narrow streets lead to Nieuwmarkt, its medieval Waag and busy café terraces. Dam Square is a few minutes away on foot, the Nine Streets are a pleasant walk through the centre, and Rokin metro station is close by. Yet behind its gates, all is surprisingly calm.
Six Centuries of History
Parts of the building date back to a 15th-century convent. It later served as the Admiralty headquarters and, for most of the 20th century, as Amsterdam's City Hall. Princess Beatrix married Prince Claus here in 1966. Original architectural features sit alongside polished interiors with a French touch.
Spacious Rooms & Suites
Rooms start at a generous 30 square metres, with high ceilings and large windows. The interiors blend modern luxury with art and references to the building's history. Larger rooms and suites add canal views and extra space.
Bridges, Oriole & the Courtyard Garden
Bridges is the hotel's main restaurant, and Oriole offers Mediterranean dishes in a more relaxed setting. In warmer months, the secluded courtyard garden is a lovely place to eat or drink.
Spa, Pool & Hammam
Set over two floors, the Sofitel SPA is a peaceful escape in the heart of the old city. The heated indoor pool features a jet stream, plus a Jacuzzi, sauna, and traditional hammam. Treatments range from facials and body scrubs to Ayurvedic rituals, with couples' rooms. A quiet relaxation room completes the experience, and a fitness centre is on hand for a workout.
Six canal palaces line the Herengracht, with a Guerlain spa and one of the city's largest private gardens.
Ultra luxury
Boutique
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
Room sizes from 29 m²Read the full story
On the Herengracht, near Rembrandtplein
Behind a row of 17th-century canal palaces, the Waldorf Astoria lines one of the Herengracht's grandest stretches. Rembrandtplein's cafés and bars are a short walk away, and Utrechtsestraat, a local favourite for independent shops and restaurants, is just around the corner. The Nine Streets and the Museum Quarter are within walking distance, and you can easily reach both Vijzelgracht and Waterlooplein metro stations.
Six Restored Canal Palaces
The hotel spans six adjoining canal palaces, built for wealthy Amsterdam families. Daniel Marot designed the grand entrance and carved staircase, working alongside the court designer for Louis XIV. Decorative ceilings and period details have been carefully preserved. Behind the houses lies a large private garden, filled with tulips in spring.
Refined Rooms, Canal or Garden Views
Rooms are generous, starting at 29 square metres, and overlook either the Herengracht or the garden. Interiors favour fine fabrics, classical panelling and marble bathrooms with double sinks. On arrival, guests can choose a room scent from the Paris candlemaker Cire Trudon. The King Lofts on the top floor keep the building's original wooden beams.
Dining Made for Lingering
Peacock Alley serves all-day dining and a much-loved afternoon tea. The Vault Bar sits in a former bank's original vault, an intimate setting for cocktails.
Guerlain Spa & Indoor Pool
The Guerlain Spa brings the Paris beauty house's expertise to the canals. Its signature treatment is the Fusion Experience, a warm-oil massage created exclusively for this hotel. Afterwards, guests can unwind by the heated indoor pool or in the Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. The spa opens onto the hotel's garden, one of the city's most peaceful spots, and a fitness centre completes the facilities.
Step off the train into a hotel full of contemporary art, with an indoor pool and a much-praised Portuguese restaurant.
Trendy
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
Room sizes from 25 m²Read the full story
Opposite Centraal Station
Step off the train, and you're practically at the door. art'otel fills a grand historic building on Prins Hendrikkade, directly opposite Centraal Station, where trains, trams and the metro fan out across the city. Dam Square is a short walk down Damrak, and the Nine Streets, with their independent boutiques and canal-side cafés, are within easy reach.
A Hotel Built around Contemporary Art
The Rotterdam studio Atelier Van Lieshout created the sculptures, installations and furniture found throughout the hotel. The 5&33 gallery also hosts changing exhibitions by contemporary Dutch artists.
Modern Rooms with Canal Views
The rooms are modern and understated, in shades of grey, white, and black. Each features original laser-cut artwork by Atelier Van Lieshout, mood lighting, and a rain shower. Some rooms offer canal views, while others overlook Centraal Station or the inner courtyard.
ARCA & the 5&33 Bar
ARCA is led by Portuguese chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. It serves modern Portuguese cooking with Asian influences and is popular with locals and guests alike. The 5&33 bar hosts a daily aperitivo hour, with DJs from Wednesday to Saturday.
Pool, Sauna & Fitness
Guests can use the indoor pool, sauna, and Technogym fitness centre for free, and massages are available. A pool is a rare find this close to the station.
Swim at river level, take afternoon tea by the water, and stay where Amsterdam has welcomed guests since 1867.
Luxury
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
On-site parking
Room sizes from 25 m²Read the full story
On the Banks of the Amstel
Grand hotels rarely enjoy such a serene setting. The Amstel faces the river from Professor Tulpplein, a quiet square on the east bank named after Nicolaes Tulp, the surgeon immortalised in Rembrandt's The Anatomy Lesson. A walk along the water leads to the Skinny Bridge and the canal belt; De Pijp is about 15 minutes on foot, and Weesperplein metro station is five minutes away.
A Classic European Grand Hotel
Chandeliers, sweeping staircases, high ceilings and elegant drawing rooms give the hotel an old-world atmosphere. Arriving at the grand riverside façade is a memorable start to any stay. The service is warm and friendly, so it never feels formal.
Classic Rooms with River Views
Rooms start at 25 square metres and feature traditional furnishings, including Dutch period furniture, patterned fabrics, and Delft details. Book river-view rooms. Higher categories offer much more space and wide views over the Amstel.
Dining by the Water
The Amstel Restaurant serves French classics alongside one of the city's most extensive wine lists. Enjoy its river-view terrace in warmer weather. The Amstel Lounge serves afternoon tea, a long-standing hotel tradition.
Pool with River Views, Spa & Fitness
The Health Club is one of the hotel's great pleasures. The heated indoor pool looks straight out over the Amstel, so you can swim while the boats pass on the river outside. Afterwards, unwind in the Jacuzzi, sauna or steam room. You can book massages and beauty treatments, and the gym has personal trainers on hand.
A 19th-century town hall on the Amstel, with river-view rooms, an indoor pool and De Pijp's markets behind.
Luxury
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
On-site parking
Room sizes from 20 m²Read the full story
On the Amstel, beside De Pijp
Pestana stands on the Amsteldijk, along the Amstel. Just behind it is De Pijp, one of Amsterdam's most popular neighbourhoods. Here, the Albert Cuyp Market sells everything from Dutch cheese to fresh stroopwafels, and the side streets are full of cafés, bars and restaurants. The Lutmastraat tram stop is about seven minutes away, with direct trams to Centraal Station.
A Former Town Hall & Archive
The hotel occupies the former Town Hall and Archive of the old Amstel municipality, a pair of neo-Renaissance buildings now protected as a national monument. Modern wings have been added alongside. The lobby, with its high ceilings and arches, makes a fine first impression.
Rooms, Studios & River Views
Rooms are contemporary and calm, in soft, neutral tones, with a pillow menu and 24-hour room service. River-view rooms are worth the upgrade, and some have a bathtub. Studios add a kitchenette, useful for families and longer stays. Book a Triple Studio for larger travel groups.
Relaxed All-Day Dining
Cotidiano Brunch Club serves relaxed, brunch-style dishes all day, plus breakfast, dinner, and an evening bar.
Spa & Indoor Pool
The spa is one of the hotel's best features. The heated indoor pool is joined by two saunas and a hammam, plus a relaxation area for quiet time afterwards. You can book massages, facials, and body treatments, and use the fully equipped fitness centre.
Watch the Amstel from your window, dine at a two-Michelin-starred table and swim below, in a grand 1896 hotel.
Ultra luxury
Swimming pool
Spa
Fitness centre
Restaurant
Pet friendly
Sustainable
Room sizes from 25 m²Read the full story
On the Amstel, near the Flower Market
Right on the water, where the Amstel flows into the old centre, De L'Europe looks across the river to the cafés and bars of Rembrandtplein. The floating Flower Market is a couple of minutes' walk away, and from there you can explore the canal belt and the Nine Streets on foot. Rokin metro station is close by when you want to venture further afield.
A Grand Hotel with a Creative Spirit
The hotel has all the presence of a grand hotel but a more creative personality. Dutch art, craftsmanship and modern design sit alongside the historic architecture, giving it a glamorous, distinctly Amsterdam feel.
Rooms & 't Huys Suites
Rooms start at 25 square metres and blend traditional details with modern comforts. Higher categories have larger windows and fine views over the Amstel. Each 't Huys suite celebrates Amsterdam's worlds of art, fashion, and design.
Dining with a Creative Edge
Flore, led by chef Bas van Kranen, is the hotel's culinary showpiece, with creative cooking in an intimate room. Marie is more relaxed and overlooks the Amstel. Freddy's Bar is a classic, elegant hotel bar, perfect for a nightcap.
Spa & Indoor Pool
The spa is a calm place to unwind after a day in the city. Its heated indoor pool offers water views and includes a sauna, steam room, and Jacuzzi. Facials use Biologique Recherche, the Paris skincare brand known for tailoring each treatment to the individual. The hotel also offers massages, scrubs, and body wraps, and a well-equipped fitness studio completes the facilities.
